The last batch of residents from Mindanao who were stranded in Clark due to travel restrictions imposed by the government were finally sent home Saturday, June 7, to reunite with their families.
Through the efforts of the Department of Tourism (DOT), Department of Transportation (DOTr), Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), Clark Development Corporation (CDC), Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC), and the Davao City local government, the 10 individuals were sent home via the Clark International Airport.
Video Caption: Orlando Ladia, Jr., a college student previously stranded in Clark, expresses thanks to members of the Clark Task Force Safe Haven through a message and a performance of “That’s What Friends are For” with his violin before he travels back home to Mindanao.
“Masaya kaming lahat na nakauwi na sila. Napakahirap ng pinagdaanan ng ating mga OFWs kaya kung natulungan namin sila ng kahit kaunti para mabawasan ang hirap na yan ay malaking bagay na yun.
Masaya kami na makakasama na sila ng kanilang mga mahal sa buhay,” said National Action Plan Against COVID-19 Deputy Chief Implementer and BCDA President and CEO Vince Dizon.
During their stay in Clark, the stranded individuals were provided free accommodation at The Mansion Hotel, as well as free meals, and medical assistance.
“Sa lahat po ng staff ng BCDA naging close po kami sa kanila, sila po ang nagbantay sa amin dito. Sa time na naghirap kami, sila yung nasasandalan namin,” said Orlando Ladia Jr., one of those who were sent home Saturday.
Before he left The Mansion, Ladia Jr. made a short performance of “That’s What Friends are For” with his violin, and dedicated it to the Task Force Clark Safe Haven.
The task force is composed of volunteers from BCDA, CDC, and CIAC. A total of 203 individuals were accommodated for free at The Mansion in Clark.
They have all been sent home to their destinations. (PR)